The City of Toronto is painting bicycle symbols on some roads to clearly identify where cyclists should ride in regular traffic lanes and to remind drivers to share the road.

These pavement markings - called “sharrows” - feature a bicycle symbol with chevrons above it. The sharrows will be marked on roads that are heavily used by cyclists but where there is not enough width to provide bike lanes. The markings provide cyclists with a guide to the safest location to ride on the street - far enough away from the curb to avoid obstacles - and remind vehicle drivers not to pass too close to people on bicycles.

“These pavement markings are an excellent way of encouraging cyclists and motorists to share the road safely,” said Gary Welsh, General Manager, Transportation Services. “Sharrows provide visual support to cyclists as to where they need to ride on the street to be safe and act as a guide to motorists about where they can expect cyclists to be riding.”

The City first began using sharrow pavement markings in 2007 during pilot projects in select locations. Beginning in 2010, sharrows will be used in the downtown core starting on College Street. The City will also be marking sharrows on Spadina Avenue, Bay Street, Lappin Avenue, Hallam Street and several other streets this year.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.